The Columbus Blue Jackets will have many players available to choose from in this years’ NHL Entry Draft when they take the podium at 18th overall. No player who will likely be available has more offensive upside than Ryan Merkley.
Merkley’s numbers seem more like a winger than a defenseman. He averaged more than a point per game with the OHL’s Guelph Storm this season.
As a right handed shot he would certainly fit into the Blue Jackets game plan. The biggest issue with him is believed to be his defense and character according to TheHockeyWriters.